FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Like http with loading web pages, FTP uses TCP/IP protocols to transfer data securely. FTP is usually used to download or upload files from/to a server. Some examples include game servers, voice servers and internet hosts.

The advantages of FTP are:

• The fact you share files between computers and programs
• Allow a more flexible way to store files. Say that you live in Australia, but want to store your files on a sever in America
• Also there's a certain reliability and efficiency with FTP which will only get better with more secure and faster methods in sending/receiving data.

FTP Criticisms

• Personal information such as passwords and file contents are sent in clear text. Meaning there's no encryption or security for sensitive information typed in by user. This allows hackers to easily retrive this information.
• It is difficult to filter traffic on FTP connections, even with a firewall.
• There's no error message to the receiver side of a transfer, if for example a transfer was interrupted.
• Also there is no timestamp on uploaded files.